Teaching can be emotionally demanding, making it important for educators to recognize their feelings and find healthy ways to cope with stress. These topics were explored in Episode 2 of Usapang Guro, Usapang Turo, organized by the University of the Philippines Diliman’s Office for the Advancement of Teaching (OAT) under the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs (OVCAA).
Held on 20 October 2026, this free webinar “Cultivating Positivity: How Teachers Can Thrive in the Midst of Stress” was open to the public, with a total of 144 attendees. The session featured Dr. Shinichiro Matsuguma, Professorial Lecturer at the Department of Psychology, College of Social Sciences and Philosophy (CSSP), UP Diliman.
Dr. Matsuguma discussed ways to cultivate positive emotions while recognizing and processing difficult ones. Participants’ evaluation responses highlighted practical strategies such as practicing gratitude, taking time to appreciate positive experiences, and becoming more aware of their emotions. The open forum also gave attendees an opportunity to raise concerns and exchange insights on managing stress and maintaining well-being.
Feedback from participants showed appreciation for the session’s relevance and the speaker’s presentation. They also expressed interest in future discussions on teacher mental health, resilience, work-life balance, classroom management, and practical approaches to everyday teaching challenges.
With this webinar, OAT continued to give the academic community opportunities to explore strategies for navigating the demands of teaching. The discussion emphasized the importance of emotional awareness and practical coping strategies in supporting educators’ personal and professional well-being.